Ergonomic assessment and low back pain among commercial fishermen

Low back pain (LBP) is a significant problem for commercial fishermen. Little research has been done to investigate the ergonomic stress of occupational fishing tasks, and no previous study has explored the link between low back stress and LBP in fishing. This study quantified low back stresses during commercial crab and gillnet fishing tasks and determined the association between those stresses and LBP occurrences reported in a prospective cohort study of North Carolina commercial fishermen conducted April 1999 to October 2001. Two ergonomic methods measured the percent of time fishermen were exposed to low back stress in a sample of 29 commercial fishermen. Fishing task frequency was evaluated in a telephone questionnaire with cohort crab pot and gillnet fishermen (n=105). Multivariate generalized Poisson regression modeled the occurrence rate ratios (RR, 95% CI) of LBP that limited or interrupted work (severe LBP) by percent time exposed to high low back stress and self-reported task. The rate of severe LBP was 0.69 per 1000 person-days (95% CI: 0.47, 0.90). Age, years of experience and previous severe LBP were associated with severe LBP. Handling heavy loads during loading and unloading produced high compression (3400 to 5315 Newtons) and lifting index values (3.0 to 5.4), but contributed little to overall work iv time (0-14%). Unloading the boat with or without use of a lifting aid was associated with an increased rate of severe LBP. Sorting catch, due to the large portion of time in static, nonneutral trunk postures (83% task time, 27-53% total work time), was associated with an increased rate of LBP (1.80 95% CI: 0.78, 4.13). Overall, increased rates of LBP were associated with the percent of time fishermen were exposed to awkward postures, spine compression >3400 Newtons, and NIOSH lifting index >3.0. Our results demonstrate that neither fishing task frequency nor ergonomic measure alone consistently predict LBP. Age, history of LBP, and self-selection out of tasks were likely important contributors to the patterns of low back stress and outcomes we observed. Research should involve fishermen in future intervention studies to account for these behaviors and increase adoption and diffusion of beneficial interventions

Ergonomic risk factors for low back pain in North Carolina crab pot and gill net commercial fishermen

Background The objective of this research was to determine the association between LBP that limited or interrupted fishing work and ergonomic low back stress measured by (1) self-reported task and (2) two ergonomic assessment methods of low back stress. Methods Eligible participants were from a cohort of North Carolina commercial fishermen followed for LBP in regular clinic visits from 1999 to 2001 (n = 177). Work history, including crab pot and gill net fishing task frequency, was evaluated in a telephone questionnaire (n = 105). Ergonomic exposures were measured in previous study of 25 fishermen using two methods. The occurrence rate of LBP that limited or interrupted fishing work since last visit (severe LBP) was evaluated in a generalized Poisson regression model. Results Predictors of severe LBP included fishing with crew members and a previous history of severe LBP. Among crab pot and gill net fishermen (n = 89), running pullers or net reels, sorting catch, and unloading catch were associated with an increased rate of LBP. Percent of time in forces \u3e20 lb while in non-neutral trunk posture, spine compression \u3e3,400 N, and National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health lifting indices \u3e3.0 were associated with LBP. Conclusions Tasks characterized by higher (unloading boat and sorting catch) and lower (running puller or net reel) ergonomic low back stress were associated with the occurrence of severe LBP. History of LBP, addition of crew members, and self-selection out of tasks were likely important contributors to the patterns of low back stress and outcomes we observed. Based on the results of this study, a participatory ergonomic intervention study is currently being conducted to develop tools and equipment to decrease low back stress in commercial crab pot fishing

The effect of using a pre-dive checklist on the incidence of diving mishaps in recreational scuba diving: a cluster-randomized trial

BACKGROUND: Scuba diving mishaps, caused by equipment problems or human errors, increase the occurrence of injuries and fatalities while diving. Pre-dive checklists may mitigate mishaps. This study evaluated the effect of using a pre-dive checklist on the incidence of diving mishaps in recreational divers. METHODS: A multi-location cluster-randomized trial with parallel groups and allocation concealment was conducted between 1 June and 17 August 2012. The participants had to be at least 18 years of age, permitted to dive by the dive operator and planning to dive on the day of participation. They were recruited at the pier and dive boats at four locations. The intervention group received a pre-dive checklist and post-dive log. The control group received a post-dive log only. The outcomes, self-reported major and minor mishaps, were prompted by a post-dive questionnaire. Mishap rates per 100 dives were compared using Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations. Intent-to-treat, per-protocol and marginal structural model analyses were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 1043 divers (intervention = 617; control = 426) made 2041 dives, on 70 location-days (intervention = 40; control = 30) at four locations. Compared with the control group, the incidence of major mishaps decreased in the intervention group by 36%, minor mishaps by 26% and all mishaps by 32%. On average, there was one fewer mishap in every 25 intervention dives. CONCLUSIONS: In this trial, pre-dive checklist use prevented mishaps which could lead to injuries and fatalities. Pre-dive checklists can increase diving safety and their use should be promoted. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT01960738

Comparison of Upper Extremity Physical Characteristics Between Adolescent Competitive Swimmers and Nonoverhead Athletes

Alterations to upper extremity physical characteristics of competitive swimmers (posture, range of motion [ROM], and subacromial-space distance) are commonly attributed to cumulative training load during a swimmer's competitive career. However, this accepted clinical belief has not been established in the literature. It is important to understand whether alterations in posture and associated physical characteristics occur as a result of sport training or factors other than swimming participation to better understand injury risk and possible interventions

Association of Injury History and Incident Injury in Cadet Basic Military Training

To determine the association between injury history at enrollment and incident lower extremity (LE) injury during cadet basic training among first-year military cadets

Athletic Training and Public Health Summit

To introduce athletic trainers to the benefits of using a population-based approach to injury and illness prevention and to explore opportunities for partnering with public health professionals on these initiatives

Mishaps and unsafe conditions in recreational scuba diving and pre-dive checklist use: a prospective cohort study

Abstract Background Recreational scuba diving involves the use of complex instruments and specialized skills in an unforgiving environment. Errors in dive preparation in such an environment may lead to unsafe conditions, mishaps, injuries and fatalities. Diving mishaps can be major and minor based on their potential to cause injury and the severity of the resulting injury. The objective of this study is to assess the incidence of diving mishaps and unsafe conditions, and their associations with the participants’ routine use of their own checklists. Methods Between June and August 2012, 426 divers participated in the control group of a randomized trial to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention pre-dive checklist. The current nested analysis prospectively follows the control participants, who did not receive the intervention checklist. Poisson regression models with generalized estimating equations were used to estimate rate ratios comparing written checklist use with memorized and no checklist use. Results The overall incidence of major mishaps and minor mishaps was 11.2 and 18.2 per 100 dives, respectively. Only 8% participants reported written checklist use, 71% reported using memorized checklists, and 21% did not use any checklist. The rate ratio for written checklist use as compared to using a memorized or no checklist was 0.47 (95%CI: 0.27, 0.83) for all mishaps (major and minor combined), and 0.31 (95% CI: 0.10, 0.93) for major mishaps. The rate of mishaps among memorized checklist users was similar to no checklist users. Conclusion This study reinforces the utility of written checklists to prevent mishaps and, potentially, injuries and fatalities

Validity of Soccer Injury Data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Injury Surveillance System

Few validation studies of sport injury-surveillance systems are available